Paul Merson is a divisive figure in football punditry.
He often gets criticised for his views, especially those on Newcastle United, but his latest rant on Alexander Isak and the “unbelievable situation” he’s put himself in makes for an interesting read.
While some of the media suggest we must let him go and Liverpool fans claim we’re ‘holding him hostage’, Merson has questioned Isak’s approach to a saga that is painting the Swede and his representatives in an increasingly poor light.
“It’s an unbelievable situation Isak has put himself in,” Merson told Sky Sports.“He’s taking a big gamble by reportedly saying he’ll never play for Newcastle again.
“Newcastle is a big city but it is a fish bowl in terms of football with it being a one-club city. I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes if he doesn’t get his move. He’s upset a lot of Newcastle fans with his actions.
“If he now doesn’t get away before the transfer window closes, he will need to score some serious goals to get the Newcastle fans anywhere near back on side.
“If he leaves, he won’t be leaving Newcastle as a hero. Had he kept quiet, he still could have potentially gone for big money, giving Newcastle serious profit after giving his all to the club. He was a big part of that trophy success last season, and he would have been rightly remembered for it.
“Everyone could have shaken hands and been happy with the deal eventually. But that’s now completely gone. The situation is totally ridiculous. It just shows you the players have all the power.”
Merson nails it. He’s burning bridges with no regard for his Newcastle legacy and how this blows back in his face should a move to Liverpool not materialise.
He’s disrespecting the club who paid a record fee for his signature, a manager that has improved him massively, his teammates and the supporters that have worshipped him for several years now.
I mean he’s done nowt but state the obvious there like 🤷🏼♂️.
But part of the problem is people like Merson & his panelist mates, along with the likes of Neville, Carra, Redknapp – all these pillocks spending most of the season talking about our players joining other teams.
I lost count of the times I heard how better Arsenal will be when they signed Isak – or Gordon to Liverpool or Tino to City.
Isak has been disrespectful because he’s bought into his own hype – hype drummed up by the likes of Merson.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Invasion of the Scouse self righteous in 5…..4….3…
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Bang on he did nothing but push the Isak to Arsenal mantra for ages.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
The Media over the last season have been nothing short of disgraceful the way they’ve been trying to sell our players to their old clubs or clubs they favour,,
MorpethMag(Quote)
Isak needs a platform for the World Cup.
My solution is to loan him out to Blyth Spartans or Hartlepool Rovers for the duration of his contract.
RexN(Quote)
Send him back to where he came from: Real Sociopath
LippySchtook(Quote)
Liverpool are not showing any respect to isak or Newcastle.. they come in with a derisory offfer. Knowing it’ll be knocked back.. knowing if they don’t buy they have unsettled isak( who WONT be playing against the scousers job well done they will think 🤬
David Dawson(Quote)